The Evidence of Faith

Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. -James 2:24

A man comes to this chapel, and while he hears the gospel, he exclaims, “What delicious truth! what heavenly doctrine!” Yet when he leaves the place, you may see him enter one public-house for another, and get intoxicated. Has this man any right to think himself an heir of heaven? The man who comes to God’s house, and drinks “wine on the lees, well refined,” and then goes away and drinks the cup and enjoys the company of the ungodly, gives no evidence that he is a partaker of divine grace. He says, “I do not like good works.” Of course he does not. “I know I shall not be saved by good works.” Of this we are certain, for he has none to be saved by. Many are ready enough to say,

“Nothing in my hands I bring, Simply to the cross I cling;”

who believe they are children of God, because, though they have no good works as evidence, they think they have faith. Ah, sir! you have faith, and there is another gentleman quite as respectable as you are, who has faith…he is better than you are, for it is said, “He believes and trembles,” while you sit unmoved by the most powerful appeals. Yes you who think you are children of God while you live in sin, you are in the most dreadful error. There is no delusion, if you except the delusion of the Pharisee, which is more dreadful than the delusion of a man who thinks that sin and grace can reign together. The Christian has sins of heart, over which he groans and laments, but as regards his outward life, he is kept, so that the evil one touches him not; the Lord keeps him under the shadow of His wing; He doth not, except in some falls, allow him to turn out of the way. Works are the evidence of our faith; by faith our souls are justified before God; by works our faith is justified before ourselves and fellow-men. ~ C.H. Spurgeon

I think this is worth repeating for those who think that preaching repentance is a works salvation: “Yes you who think you are children of God while you live in sin, you are in the most dreadful error. There is no delusion…which is more dreadful than the delusion of a man who thinks that sin and grace can reign together.”

Charles Haddon Spurgeon was an English Particular Baptist preacher. Spurgeon remains highly influential among Christians of various denominations, among whom he is known as the "Prince of Preachers". Wikipedia
Born: June 19, 1834, Kelvedon, United Kingdom
Died: January 31, 1892, Menton, France
Full name: Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Spouse: Susannah Spurgeon (m. 1856–1892)